Area politicians, experts have mixed reactions to Cruz's marathon speech

Area politicians, experts have mixed reactions to Cruz's marathon speech

Excerpt

The following ran on the Sept. 25, 2013, WFAA-TV (ABC DFW) broadcast. Political scientist Cal Jillson provided expertise for this story.

September 27, 2013

By Steve Stoler

Ted Cruz, the freshman U.S. Senator from Texas, ended his marathon speech against Obamacare on the Senate floor after more than 21 hours this afternoon. While Cruz’ speech didn't block any vote, it certainly drew attention to his staunch opposition to President Obama's Affordable Care Act.

For 21 hours and 19 minutes, Cruz did his best to become the darling of the tea party movement, making good on a promise to fight to put a stop to President Barack Obama’s health care reform law....

SMU Political expert Cal Jillson believes the senator's high profile stand against Obamacare could hurt public perception of him at home and across the nation.

"If you are a tea party conservative, you probably like the idea that he's taking it to Obamacare and the administration," said Jillson. "But if you're the average Texan, you've got to be a little concerned that one of your two senators is becoming a laughing stock."...